It’s now the height of picnic season, when we ditch the formality of proper plates and silverware for the casual beauty of a meal enjoyed “on location.”
Whether you’re supping on the sand at the beach or spreading your blanket on the great lawn of your nearest park, the key to a successful picnic is all about planning ahead.
We’ve put together a list of essentials for unbeatable outdoor eating.
Paper Plate Update
These balsa wood trays are sturdier than the typical paper plate, with shallow sides to keep your potato salad from slipping. They collapse to fit into your picnic basket, and are compostable for environment-friendly clean up. (20 for $25; food52.com)
Double Duty Mason Jars
These heavy-duty glass jars make great containers for toting salads or delicate snacks like fruit. Then give them a rinse and use them as glasses for water or wine. (6 for $10; acehardware.com)
Essential Oil Bug Spray
We’re not big fans of spraying chemicals around anything that goes in or on our bodies. That said, pesky mosquitos are a real threat this time of year; rather than relying on DEET-based sprays, consider making your own insect repellent with all natural essential oils. Here’s our basic recipe:
In a 4-ounce spray bottle combine:
2 ounces distilled water
1 ounce vodka
10 drops lavender essential oil
20 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops citronella essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops lemongrass essential oil
Shake well before using. Apply every two hours.
(Find essential oils online at Mountain Rose Herbs; mountainroseherbs.com)
Colonial-Era Gatorade
Before the advent of neon-colored sugar-spiked sports drinks, there was switchel, a potent mixture of vinegar, a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, and ginger. We like to pack this Brooklyn-made version on outdoor excursions for its restorative rehydration powers. (16 ounces for $9; mouth.com)
In Case of Emergency
A picnic with friends is a great excuse to unplug, but if technological needs can’t be ignored, it’s nice to have this flashlight, which doubles as a spare charge for your cell phone. ($53; williams-sonoma.com)
